Make: Steampunk Derringer v2

So that other one is OK, but...

Golding

I liked the other one OK, but when I was in one of our local $2 shop, I saw a lovely "cowboy" set with a super cute little derringer that had A LOT of potential. As the whole set cost $3, I was sold.

MrIcy picked me up some "Rubb 'n' Buff" in Antique Gold* which is apparently the go-to product for steampunkers. It is fabulous!  To the left, you can see the un-treated derringer with the Rubb 'n' Buff beside it, then you can see just a light brushing over the raised surfaces.  I could have left it here, but I really did want a much lighter colour, so I continued to rub into as many surfaces as I could.

I started with a fingertip, but ended up using cotton-buds to get into the crevices.  I cleaned my fingers with a little acetone (nail-polish remover).  If you're trying this, cover your work area first, else much more things will be gold...

Painting

After the rubbing I painted the raised swirls with colours to bring them out.  In the picture, I'm painting a deep red** which I then later went over with a copper to give it some sparkle. Other sections use purple and cream.

The grip was painted first with a dark cream and then a light cream was dry-brushed over the top to give a leather-type look.

I drilled two tiny holes with MrIcy's pin vice drill and then set two cream rose earrings which I was never going to wear, just for a little Victorian bling. The ends I capped with two resin gears that MrIcy cast for me from some old CD gears.

The final step was two coats of matt varnish to protect it all.  I'm really very, very pleased. ^_^

Tips

Line your working area with kitchen paper.
Have some acetone nearby for cleanup.

Time/Cost

Toy gun pack - $3.00
Rubb 'n' Buff - $14.00 (but I used only a tiny bit)
Earrings - $3.00 for a set of 6
Paint and varnish - already owned by MrIcy

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* The only colour they had in stock, though I'm delighted with how it turned out.
** Citadel Crimson Gore for anyone wondering.

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